Written Answers. - Official Visit Expenditure.

Wednesday, 23 March 1994

46.Mr. Yates
asked the
Minister for Finance
the total cost of ministerial trips from his Department's Vote in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day celebrations throughout the world.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern):In my capacity as Minister for Finance in this State, I took part in the review of the annual St. Patrick's Day parades in Los Angeles and in San Diego in the United States of America.

[1174] It is too early yet for my Department to have the full details of the costs involved but they are estimated to total £23,300.

In relation to the Offices under my Department's aegis, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and Tánaiste's Office did not take part in any celebrations outside the State. Costs arising for the Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works will be covered under the reply from the Department of Defence since this travel was in connection with his duties as Minister of State at Defence.